AAL Spotlight: Montgomery Catfish, FB Jason Hall & CB Ladarius Lee

The American Arena League is committed to giving its teams, owners, coaches, and players as many opportunities as we can. Part of that means highlighting the teams and players that make the league what it is! In this edition of AAL Spotlight, we're featuring the Montgomery Catfish, Jason Hall of the Mississippi Wolfpack, and Ladarius Lee of the Memphis Blues! 

Montgomery comes into the American Arena league as a highly anticipated franchise in the massive 2027 AAL Expansion class. The franchise takes a bit of a unique approach to program building, as the fan and player focus in the capacity they utilize is unheard of! No matter the situation, the ownership strives to ensure that they provide the best for the athletes they bring in, giving a “coming home” feel to each and every one of them. Not only will the players feel at home, but some of the plans they have for fans heading into 2027 will also rival those of long-established franchises.

The debut of the Catfish next April marks the beginning of a new era of southern arena football; it will also end a 20-year drought in Montgomery, and a more than a decade-long drought of pro arena football in Alabama. Fan engagement and overall excitement have been growing for the franchise as we inch closer to 2027 at a rate rarely seen for this level of football.

They also bring in a fairly impressive group of players. Ben McCoy serves as the head of player personnel after several championships with other franchises in the position. The ability to bring in high-level talent will serve the franchise well; just look at the list of posted signings already!

Overall, the franchise is looking like a contender out of the gate considering the current roster, the high-quality coaching staff, and elite-level social media marketing they have displayed so far. It's refreshing to see so many markets revived, especially in a state with a storied history in the game.

Hall spent time with Gordon State in college before betting on himself and finding a team in the AAL2 to really grind it out and prove himself. In 2025, he would spend the entire season with the Tri-City River Gators of the AAL2 South Division. While with the River Gators, his downhill running style and quick off-the-corner speed would catch plenty of attention. That attention ultimately landed him a spot with Mississippi in the 2026 four-team reboot season of the AAL. Though the 2026 campaign wouldn't entirely go as planned for the team, Hall's hard work and dedication would earn a 2027 roster spot for the Wolfpack. He has aspirations that go well beyond that of just sitting in place, his goals include getting looks at higher levels of the game. He emphasized during our conversation with him that none of what he has accomplished would be possible without his faith. His guided-by-faith, not-by-sight mentality sets him apart on and off the field.

Jason strives to be the example of what hard work and dedication can become; it's not often you see a player come all the way up and through developmental football into the professional ranks. 

“I'm just excited for the new rivalry with Memphis, the new arena, the elevated level of competition, and just the opportunity to play and possibly advance in 2027,” said Hall.

It seems as if this version of AAL Spotlight may have a theme: athletes that only ask for an opportunity. Lee comes into the American Arena League off of an outstanding rookie season in a former indoor league. He looks to build on the success seen in 2026 by not only proving himself in the sport, but in a completely different ruleset.

Ladarius is another example of grinding his way up. Prior to getting his chance with Memphis, he was a standout in the lower levels of football, constantly keeping new film and searching for a chance to prove himself on a bigger stage. Lee would turn that opportunity into the honor of becoming the Memphis Defensive Player of the Year. Lee has a “Heat & Fire” attitude on the field that leaves little room for opposing Wide receivers, with little room for deep shots or short completions. Off the field, he is calm and collected; on the field? An absolute menace!

He, just like Hall, has goals for 2026 that include game-to-game advancement along with contributing to a championship-level season. Lee wants to show others there is a path up while moving himself vertically.

“I'm playing for the city I'm from and to show guys there is a way up,” said Lee when asked about his motivation for the 2027 Blues season.

The road to season number two in March 2027 is paved with dedication, especially from the fans that show up, show support, and help make the American Arena League as fun as it is. Check back in soon! We will take a look at more franchises, many players, and maybe even a few coaches and team owners.